Annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report agreed by Council

The report outlines the comprehensive steps taken throughout 2024 to advance the Council’s ambitious climate goals and align with the targets set under Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan.

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Fingal County Council agreed the Annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2024 at the May meeting of the council. The report outlines the comprehensive steps taken throughout 2024 to advance the Council’s ambitious climate goals and align with the targets set under Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan.

The progress report highlights Fingal’s leadership role in local climate governance, detailing achievements across areas including energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancement, active travel infrastructure, circular economy, and community engagement and provides details on action take to advance Fingal’s progress towards a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, climate neutrality by 2050 and build a climate resilient Fingal.

The Fingal Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, adopted in February 2024, identifies 162 discrete actions structured under six key thematic areas: Energy and Buildings; Transport; Flood Resilience; Nature-Based Solutions; Circular Economy and Resource Management; and Community Engagement.

Fingal County Council Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly praised the collaborative effort that underpins the Council’s climate success:

“Climate action is a shared responsibility, and this report is a testament to the determination and innovation of our staff, elected members, and local communities. Fingal is taking a leadership role, ensuring we meet – and strive to exceed – our obligations under the national targets. We are proud of the progress made and remain focused on achieving even more in the year ahead.”

Key achievements outlined in the Annual Report include:

  • Fingal County Council improved its organisational energy efficiency by 54.8% relative to its 2006–2008 baseline and reduced energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 44.9%, placing the Council on a promising trajectory towards its 2030 targets.
  • Social housing retrofits continued under the national Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, with 94 homes upgraded to higher energy performance standards.
  • Major investments in energy infrastructure included ongoing implementation of Energy Performance Contracts
  • 100% public lighting has been converted to LED with a reduction in energy on public lighting by over 57%.
  • Infrastructure delivery included the completion of 4.9 kilometres of protected cycleways, additional pedestrian and cycling crossings, and expansion of secure bike parking facilities across the county.
  • The electrification of the Council’s fleet progressed steadily, with 40% of its commercial vehicles now powered by electricity.
  • Launch of 25 community-led climate projects, supported through the Fingal Climate Action Fund.

Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport David Storey, emphasised the significance of the progress made:

  • “This year’s report reflects a real momentum across our organisation. We’ve delivered tangible climate action at ground level—from retrofitting council housing to reducing emissions in our fleet and expanding active travel routes. Climate action is no longer a plan on a page, it's a reality being implemented across every department and in our communities.”

The Annual Report also details Fingal’s alignment with the national Climate Action Plan 2024 and the Local Authority Climate Action Charter, showcasing the Council’s continued commitment to a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient society.

The report is available to view on the Fingal County Council website at https://www.fingal.ie/ClimateAction/climate-action-plan-2024-2029